Golf has been around for a long time and has many different variations and formats that people are unaware of. Regular stroke play is the common format that people think of when they think of golf. Golfers count their strokes, and their score is the total number of shots taken at the conclusion of the 18 hole round.
Match play is another format that is played often to complete matches between two people and scoring works like this: winner of a hole has a “1 up” lead, if the opponent wins the next, they are back to all square. In the end, the one who is leading, wins. This format can be used alongside other formats like best ball or alternate shot.
Best ball is a format where two individuals play together. The best score of the pair is the score they take for the hole. People often play “four ball” where it is two v two best ball, and they are competing in a match play format.
Lastly, alternate shot is often played among golfers. Two people play together and alternate shots. This is also played in a 2 v 2 match play format, called ‘foursomes.” The Ryder cup is a tournament that includes match play, foursomes, and four ball. It is contested between Europe and America. This morning, The matches in the morning were a clean sweep by the Europeans. As Junior Preston Lawhon said, “they teach ‘em how to play across the seas.” The Ryder Cup is one of the only times where the golf world gets to see different formats of golf and learn them. Take the time to watch the tournament and add more fun to your future rounds.
